Skinny reviews: June
| 10 Jun 2007
Bobby (4 June)
Emilio Estevez's debut feature is a powerful examination of the the assassination of Robert Kennedy in 1968. With an all-star cast this ensemble piece follows the tragic events at the Ambassador Hotel on that fateful day. Tackling social issues and the hope that RFK shouldered after his brothers death, this is a poignant and moving film - probably the best political drama in a decade.
Norman Granz Presents Improvisation (11 June)
In 1956 Norman Granz founded the legendary jazz label Verve. He was responsible for countless recordings of some of the biggest jazz heavyweights throughout his illustrious career as well as managing Ella Fitzgerald (for whose recordings the label was mainly intended). Here we have footage shot by Granz following his 1944 film with Gjon Mili called Jammin' The Blues (cited as "maybe the greatest film ever about jazz"). As the title suggests it's all about improvisation, though many other recordings make up the footage for this new film. Essential for jazzheads everywhere!
Running With Scissors (18 June)
A hilarious and poignant film based on the memoir of Augusten Burroughs. The film, by director Ryan Murphy (Nip/Tuck) chronicles his adolescent experiences living with the unusual family of his mother's psychiatrist, Dr Finch. With some excellent performances from the likes of Joseph Fiennes, Brian Cox and Annette Bening this is an absurd, whimsical comedy for fans of the Royal Tennenbaums and Gilbert Grape.
The Science of Sleep (25 June)
This bittersweet romantic fantasy from Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) is a visually inventive drama which flits between the dreams and waking life of a bored office worker - played by Gael Garcia Bernal - as he pursues his shy neighbour. This is Gondry's first film as writer and director and his creativity is given full rein in depicting the surreal dreamworld of the lead character. If you're looking for something a little different give it a try.
Emilio Estevez's debut feature is a powerful examination of the the assassination of Robert Kennedy in 1968. With an all-star cast this ensemble piece follows the tragic events at the Ambassador Hotel on that fateful day. Tackling social issues and the hope that RFK shouldered after his brothers death, this is a poignant and moving film - probably the best political drama in a decade.
Norman Granz Presents Improvisation (11 June)
In 1956 Norman Granz founded the legendary jazz label Verve. He was responsible for countless recordings of some of the biggest jazz heavyweights throughout his illustrious career as well as managing Ella Fitzgerald (for whose recordings the label was mainly intended). Here we have footage shot by Granz following his 1944 film with Gjon Mili called Jammin' The Blues (cited as "maybe the greatest film ever about jazz"). As the title suggests it's all about improvisation, though many other recordings make up the footage for this new film. Essential for jazzheads everywhere!
Running With Scissors (18 June)
A hilarious and poignant film based on the memoir of Augusten Burroughs. The film, by director Ryan Murphy (Nip/Tuck) chronicles his adolescent experiences living with the unusual family of his mother's psychiatrist, Dr Finch. With some excellent performances from the likes of Joseph Fiennes, Brian Cox and Annette Bening this is an absurd, whimsical comedy for fans of the Royal Tennenbaums and Gilbert Grape.
The Science of Sleep (25 June)
This bittersweet romantic fantasy from Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) is a visually inventive drama which flits between the dreams and waking life of a bored office worker - played by Gael Garcia Bernal - as he pursues his shy neighbour. This is Gondry's first film as writer and director and his creativity is given full rein in depicting the surreal dreamworld of the lead character. If you're looking for something a little different give it a try.